Eric Darius to Release New Album “Retro Forward”

RENAISSANCE MAN & SAXOPHONIST ERIC DARIUS FINDS INSPIRATION IN THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE AND TEAMS UP WITH ALL-STAR PRODUCERS/ WRITERS FOR SHINING NEW SHANACHIE CD RETRO FORWARD

Saxophonist, composer, producer, vocalist and model Eric Darius likes to play by his own rules. He’s a creative free spirit who has learned to listen to his own inner voice. Steeped in tradition and grounded in the lessons learned from his mentors and ancestors, Darius is not afraid to push himself and his art forward. The Renaissance man reaffirms this credo on his sixth album as a leader and second recording for Shanachie Entertainment.

“Retro Forward represents my musical statement as an artist that’s not confined by any boundaries, rules, or genres. As a younger person with roots in the Contemporary Jazz genre, I feel it’s my responsibility to pay homage to the greats that founded this music, but also push it forward to a new, exciting direction that will keep the music alive and relevant for the younger generation,” confesses the astute business school graduate.

Retro Forward shines light on Eric Darius’ rich melting pot of influences that range from Jazz, R&B, Pop and Hip-Hop to Gospel, Reggae and Rock. “With this album, I really wanted to take my listeners on a musical journey, capturing the sounds from one era to the next,” shares the free-spirited and adventurous saxman. “I want this album to be the soundtrack to their lives from past, present, to future spreading love and happiness in the process.” Darius works hard to deliver this tall order. Retro Forward opens with the exhilarating original the saxophonist penned with Antonio Dixon, “All Around The World.” His soulful tenor rides a jubilant funky mix that propels his saxophone to new heights. “The inspiration for the song came from my desire to reach people all around the world regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or demographic. It’s that song that I envisioned people all around the world moving to,” explains Eric. As the album’s title track suggests, “Retro Forward” unites old and new influences to create a triumphant anthem and an album highlight. The charged, edgy and bluesy “Back To You,” draws influence from two of Darius’ all-time favorite groups. “I wanted to make a song that would evoke memories of The Jackson 5 and Earth, Wind and Fire. I feel we captured that sound,” says Eric.

Retro Forward also features the pop dance tune “Broke Down” with a retro 90s twist. “I always love going to clubs to see what DJ’s are playing,” confides Darius. “As a saxophonist, I have always envisioned one of my songs being played in a dance club.

Darius teams up with Eric Dawkins for the swooning and poignant ballad “What’s Her Name,” penned by Dawkins. The marriage between Eric’s soulful and soaring alto saxophone and Dawkins’ passionate vocals is sublime. Darius explains, “Most people may recognize Eric Dawkins as a writer and producer for artists such as Tyrese, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, and Mary Mary, but he is also an incredible solo vocalist. It was a pleasure working with such an amazing talent like him.”

Retro Forward, which is a follow up to Darius 2010 Shanachie debut, On a Mission, features futuristic and neo-soul flavored “Never” and the song “Healing,” which fuses elements of Reggae, R&B, Hip Hop and 80s rock, pays tribute to Eric’s Caribbean roots. Darius pays homage to Stevie Wonder and Motown with “Heaven Sent,” featuring vocalist Dessy Di Lauro from the group Neo-Ragtime. “Stevie has always been one of my favorite artists of all time, and my vision was to make a song that captures the essence of his timeless classics,” comments the saxophonist. He shows off a different side on his original “Forever Yours,” a pensive ballad that features his gorgeous and lyrical soprano. It also marks the first time that he has recorded on soprano since he made his recording debut in 2004.

Throughout Eric’s young but already dynamic career, he’s had the tremendous opportunity to travel and perform worldwide with numerous groups. Even as a college student he had the fortune to travel internationally with the South Florida Jazztet (The University of South Florida is where he earned a degree in Business). The much in demand saxman’s worldwide gigs include Japan, Indonesia, London, France and Italy, among numerous other countries.

“My goal is to really help bridge the generational gap and make music that has infinite possibilities,” concludes Eric Darius. With the release of Retro Forward, Eric Darius is building bridges, forging new paths and ensuring that his heartfelt, organic and honest approach to the music will stand the test of time.

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014

Shanachie Records